Sexual & Reproductive Health

Clinic 555 offers confidential, low-cost, quality sexual and reproductive health services for adults and teens. Services range from low cost to free. Fees are based on family size and income. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.

Bring photo ID and insurance card.

Billing is available for Medical Assistance (MA) and some insurances.

Walk-in service is available, but appointments are recommended. Patients with appointments will be seen ahead of those who walk-in.

Oral Contraceptives (the pill)

Pills containing hormones (estrogen and progesterone) are taken daily to prevent the release of eggs from the ovaries.

Depo Provera (the shot)

Injections or shots of the hormone progesterone are given every 3 months. The hormone prevents the ovaries from releasing an egg and also thins the uterine lining.

Nexplanon (implant)

A matchstick-sized rod that is inserted into the arm to prevent pregnancy. It must be inserted by a health care provider.

Intrauterine Device (IUD)

An IUD is a small device shaped like a "T" which is placed in the uterus by a health care provider. IUDs either contain copper or progesterone and are described below.

Ortho Evra (the patch)

A thin adhesive patch worn on the lower abdomen, buttocks or upper body. Each patch is worn for 1 week. After 3 weeks of wearing patches you take one week off, at which time you will get your period. The patch releases the hormones progesterone and estrogen into the bloodstream, which stops your ovaries from releasing an egg. The patch also thickens the cervical mucus making it harder for the sperm to get to the egg.

Nuva Ring (the ring)

A thin flexible ring that is inserted into the vagina. You wear the ring for 3 weeks, then you take a week off, which allows for your period. The ring releases the hormones progesterone and estrogen into the bloodstream, which stops your ovaries from releasing an egg. The patch also thickens the cervical mucus making it harder for the sperm to get to the egg.

Condoms

A condom is a sheath covering the penis made of latex polyurethane which collects the sperm and keeps it from reaching the egg.

Diaphragm

The diaphragm is a shallow latex cup placed inside the vagina to cover the cervix. The diaphragm blocks the sperm from entering the cervix and reaching the egg. Diaphragms come in different sizes and must be "fitted" to your body by a doctor or nurse.

Emergency contraception

Helps prevent pregnancy when taken within 120 hours after sex without birth control (unprotected intercourse) or failed birth control.

Natural family planning

Tracking a woman's menstrual cycle to determine her fertility. This information is then used to "plan" intercourse to avoid or achieve a pregnancy.

Abstinence

Not having sexual activity (vaginal, anal or oral) at any time. It is the only method that is 100% effective in preventing pregnancy and protecting against HIV and other STDs (sexually transmitted diseases).

Emergency contraception

Emergency contraception (sometimes called the “morning after pill”) helps prevent pregnancy when taken within 120 hours after sex without birth control (unprotected intercourse) or failed birth control.

If you think you need emergency contraception, call as soon as possible. Most women will not need an exam – but may need to answer a series of questions.

Sexually transmitted infections

Symptoms

Get checked immediately if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

More information

HIV/PrEP

Confidential services to determine if someone is HIV positive, to support and provide care for those newly diagnosed, to educate about HIV prevention strategies, and to enroll in PrEP HIV prevention program.

HIV testing and counseling

If you have had a potential exposure to HIV, you must wait at least six weeks before being tested. HIV antibodies take six weeks to six months to show up on blood tests. Clinic 555 offers the HIV rapid test. Safe sex counseling and HIV education are also offered.

HIV rapid test.
Results take about 15 minutes and will be given before you leave.​

Resources for HIV positive patients

Early medical evaluation including lab work and consultations with Dr. Keith Henry.

PrEP

PrEP is a daily pill for people who do not have HIV but are at a high risk of getting it.

Consider PrEP if you have sex without condoms and your sex partner(s) is HIV positive or you do not know the status of your partner(s) but know they are at risk of getting HIV though injecting drugs or having unprotected sex with multiple partners.

Clinic 555 will help you decide if PrEP is right for you by providing education on PrEP therapy and adherence, as well as assistance with affordability and insurance.

Pap smears and cervical health

Pap test (sometimes called pap smears)

A test to check for changes in the cells of your cervix. This test can determine if you have an infection, abnormal or unhealthy cervical cells or cervical cancer. This test is recommended for every woman who is 21 years and older. Results from your Pap test normally take about two weeks and you will be contacted if the results are NOT normal (abnormal).

Abnormal pap test results do not mean that you have cancer. Most often there is a small problem with the cervix. If this is the case, a nurse will contact you by phone to discuss next steps.

If the results of the pap test are unclear or show a small change in the cells of the cervix, you will most likely be asked to repeat your pap test. If the test finds more serious changes, you might be asked to have a colposcopy. Clinic 555 offers follow-up and treatment to abnormal pap tests.

Colposcopy

Colposcopy is a special exam done for women who have had abnormal pap smears. The cervix is viewed through a special magnifying instrument called a colposcope. The colposcope allows the doctor or nurse to see the cells of the vagina and cervix in great detail. If the colposcope detects abnormal cells on your cervix, you may be recommended to have a LEEP procedure.

LEEP or LOOP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure)

LEEP is used to remove the abnormal cells of the cervix. The procedure uses a thin wire to cut away a very thin layer of surface cells. During LEEP, your cervix will be numbed with a local anesthesia. The procedure takes only a few minutes and recovery time is brief in most cases.

Mammograms

Sage program for women

Free mammograms and pap smears are available to eligible women through the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)’s Sage Screening Program.

Eligibility and additional services

Women who are uninsured or underinsured, meet program financial guidelines, and are:

Age 21-65: cervical services (Pap smears).

Age 40 or older: mammograms.

Patients eligible for the Sage Screening Program can schedule additional services for one low fee:

Expanded medical exams.

Complete medical history.

Blood pressure reading.

Lab work (cholesterol, hemoglobin, urine analysis and stool samples).

Educational materials

Birth Control

Please call to determine eligibility, price of additional services, and to schedule an appointment.

Clinic 555 services are supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Population Affairs, Title X.

This page contains HIV prevention messages that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Since HIV infection is spread primarily though sexual practices or by sharing needles, prevention messages and programs may address these topics. If you are not seeking such information or materials, please exit this website.